Cookin' on the Big Isle

"What is a dragonfruit and can I eat it?" That is one of the questions waiting to be answered during kids' cooking classes at Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort in Kailua-Kona on the Big Island, offering a fun way for young travelers to experience some of Hawaii's produce and learn how to make yummy treats from them.

Sessions featuring exotic Hawaii-grown foods like the sweet, edible dragonfruit take place from 10 to 11 a.m. on select Wednesdays through Aug. 9.

With the help of executive chef Jason Koppinger, keiki accompanied by a parent or adult will learn to make simple recipes like smoothies or cupcakes using white pineapple, guava, banana and jackfruit. This program is being supported by the Hawaii Department of Agriculture and the Hawaii Tropical Fruit Growers Association.

A special "Kids' Cooking Class" room rate of $139 per night is available for participating families. To sign up for the class, call 808-324-2515 or toll-free 877-532-8468, ext. 2515.

Luau at the Ritz

The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua on Maui is throwing a backyard "Oceanside Luau" at the resort's Beach House Lawn Tuesday and Friday evenings through Aug. 29.

Guests can expect a luau with lei greeting, artisan demonstrations, a quartet playing Hawaiian music and dinner performances of Polynesian music and dance.

A traditional imu ceremony signals the transition to the feast, featuring kalua pork from the fire pit, mahimahi, teriyaki steak, poi, lomilomi salmon and more. An open bar will be stocked with tropical beverages, beer and wine.

The cost is $95 per adult and $47.50 per child, inclusive of tax and gratuity.

For reservations, call 808-665-7250 on Maui.

Splash on West side

Kapolei might be one of the coolest sites on Oahu on Pau Hana Fridays, when Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park offers live local music, dinner specials and access to its most popular rides from 7 to 11 p.m. through Sept. 1.

Admission to Pau Hana Fridays is $20 general, $15 for ages 3 to 11 and free for annual pass holders. Group and party packages are also available.

The park is Hawaii's only water-theme amusement park. Weekday admission is $34.99 for adults and $24.99 for children, with discounts available for groups, kamaaina, military and seniors. Annual passes are also available. For information, visit www.hawaiianwaters.com or call 674-9283.